16-year-old charged with murder of Baltimore police officer

(L) Dawnta Harris (R) Pfc. Amy Caprio

PERRY HALL, Md. – A 16-year-old has been charged and arrested for the murder of Baltimore County Police Officer who was killed in Perry Hall on Monday afternoon during a burglary. Three other teen suspects connected to the burglary are also in police custody. 

Around 2:00 p.m., Pfc. Amy Caprio responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle on the unit block of Linwen Way. Dawnta Harris who was waiting in a Jeep Wrangler while the three other suspects were involved in a burglary fled when he saw Caprio approach, according to reports. 

According to the charging documents, Officer Caprio followed the Jeep into a cul-de-sac and confronted Harris, telling him to exit the vehicle. Harris drove toward Caprio and hit her with the vehicle and abandoned the scene on foot. Witnesses in the area say they heard gunshots at the time of the incident. Caprio was taken to MedStar Franklin Square Hospital and pronounced dead a short time later. 

Governor Hogan released the following statement on the passing of Officer Caprio: 

“We are heartbroken to lose a member of Maryland’s law enforcement family, Police Officer First Class Amy Caprio. Officer Caprio was a dedicated member of the Baltimore County Police Department who was soon to celebrate four years with the force. She bravely made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and security of our citizens, and we all owe her a debt of gratitude for her selfless service.

“We continue to keep Officer Caprio’s family, loved ones, her brothers and sisters in blue, and the entire Baltimore County community in our prayers. U.S. and Maryland flags will fly at half-staff through the day she is laid to rest in tribute to her service and sacrifice.

“The State of Maryland continues to stand beside Baltimore County as they work to bring those responsible for Officer Caprio’s death to justice.”

The four suspects involved were found and arrested later the same day after a manhunt. Police say that Harris has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder and is being held at Baltimore County Department of Corrections.